Patents by Inventor François Girard

François Girard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8910334
    Abstract: A patient support includes a layer of fluid pressurized bladders, the bladders each having a chamber and an upwardly facing surface for facing and supporting a patient, and a cover over the layer of fluid pressurized bladders. Respective bladders in at least a group of the bladders each have a resilient body in its respective chamber to reform the shape of the respective bladder when a compression load on the respective bladder is removed wherein the pressure in the respective bladders is generally maintained without a powered supply of air. The cover has an upwardly facing patient surface and a bladder layer facing surface, with the patient surface for forming a patient support surface on the support, and the bladder layer facing surface for lying on the upwardly facing surfaces of the bladders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Patrick Gaudreau Wong, Sylvain Lacasse, Sebastien Viger
  • Patent number: 8911387
    Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Derick Elliott, Martel Benoit, Luc Petitpas, Jean Bizouard, Sébastien Viger, Chad Rohrer, Jérôme Marcotte, Philippe Tremblay, Stephane Duguay, Sylvain LaCasse, Clément Nadeau, Stephanie Ludke, Philippe Roy, Alex Duchesneau
  • Publication number: 20140314989
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a laminated log having a solid insulating material layer located between internal and external plank layers of natural wood, with a plurality of compression limiter members located into respective through hole extending through the solid insulating material layer and extending between the internal and external layers to control and preferably prevent excessive compression of the insulating member during the bonding under relatively high pressure of all layers at the same time. After the layers are bonded, the laminated log typically runs through a molder device which gives the exterior surface a rounded edge to make it look like a natural log. The log manufactured using the above method is also part of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: PRODUITS BOREAL INC.
    Inventor: François GIRARD
  • Patent number: 8856992
    Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes a mattress with at least one air operated component and a cushioning layer forming a patient support surface. The mattress has a recessed portion beneath the patient support surface at the foot end of the mattress with an enclosure housed in the recess. The enclosure houses therein at least one pump for directing air to the air operated component and a controller for operating the pump. The enclosure has a central section and two side sections, with each of the sections having an upper side. The side sections are located on opposed sides of the central section and at opposed sides of the mattress at the foot end. The upper side of the central section is recessed below the upper sides of the side sections wherein the depth of the cushioning layer at the foot end between the side sections is maintained generally constant at least along the central portion of the mattress extending from the head end to the foot end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Derick Elliott, Martel Benoit, Luc Petitpas, Jean Bizouard, Sébastien Viger, Chad Rohrer, Jérôme Marcotte, Philippe Tremblay, Stephane Duguay, Sylvain LaCasse, Clément Nadeau, Stephanie Ludke, Philippe Roy, Alex Duchesneau
  • Patent number: 8832885
    Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one bladder forming at least part of a patient support surface, a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress, and a control system. The control system including at least one sensor, which includes an emitter and a receiver, with the emitter directing light into the bladder. The receiver receives a reflection from the light directed into the bladder, and the control system detects the immersion of a patient into the mattress based on the reflection received by the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Derick Elliott, Martel Benoit, Luc Petitpas, Jean Bizouard, Sébastien Viger, Chad Rohrer, Jérôme Marcotte, Philippe Tremblay, Stephane Duguay, Sylvain LaCasse, Clément Nadeau, Stephanie Ludke, Philippe Roy, Alex Duchesneau
  • Publication number: 20140215854
    Abstract: A boot having a first footwear element and a second footwear element, the second footwear element being configured to be removably inserted into the first footwear element, the first element footwear extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and height-wise from a base to an upper end, the second footwear element extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and height-wise from a base to an upper end. The boot includes a retaining device to retain the rear end of the second footwear element at the rear end of the first footwear element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventor: Francois GIRARD
  • Publication number: 20140157624
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cover to be positioned against the upper of a shoe that includes a sole assembly and an upper, the cover comprising: an outer surface and an inner surface; a longitudinal opening and a device for opening and closing the opening; a flap-forming structure comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, such structure making it possible to bring the opening/closing device between the outer surface of the cover and the inner surface of the flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: François GIRARD, Delphine MADELAINE
  • Patent number: 8739435
    Abstract: A boot including an outer sole assembly, the outer sole assembly extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a lateral side and a medial side, and heightwise between a free surface and a connection surface, the outer sole assembly having a longitudinal groove that opens out in the area of the free surface. The longitudinal groove opens out in the area of the free surface, the groove having a length ranging between 30 and 100% of the length of the outer sole assembly, a width ranging between 25 and 45 mm, and a depth greater than or equal to 4 mm, the groove being compatible with one or more guiding ribs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventor: François Girard
  • Publication number: 20140131980
    Abstract: An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francois GIRARD, Eddy YELOVINA, Remy SAILLET
  • Patent number: 8694477
    Abstract: A method for storing, in the rewritable memory of an automobile electronic control unit, calibration data functionally equivalent to a set of various models (M1-M5) of complete calibration data, this method including operations consisting in recording a single copy (CALIBAS) of common calibration data (COM1-COM4), and specific calibration data (SP1-SP5) relieved of these common data. The method uses the relations existing between the various versions (SP1-SP5) of specific data to further reduce the memory space dedicated to storage by defining, from among these versions, standard versions (T1; T2) and variants (V11; V21, V22), the variants being relieved of data already contained in the standard versions (T1; T2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Automotive France
    Inventors: Jean-François Girard, Romain Lafuente, Jean-Christophe Seguy, Jean-Philippe Trede, Franck Valero
  • Patent number: 8662524
    Abstract: An assembly including a gliding board and a device for retaining an article of footwear on the board, the device extending longitudinally from a rear end to a front end, the board having a receiving zone provided to receive the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board. The assembly includes a wedge device which inclines the retaining device longitudinally in relation to the board, so that the retaining device is angled downwardly from the front end to the rear end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: François Girard, Eddy Yelovina, Rémy Saillet
  • Publication number: 20130312278
    Abstract: An assembly comprising an article of footwear, such as a boot, and a crampon, the assembly comprising a binding for retaining the crampon on the boot. The binding comprises an assembly device that comprises a first element affixed to the boot and a second element affixed to the crampon, the first and second elements being structured for assembly with one another in two phases, a first phase in which one of the elements guides the other element along a translational movement, from an initial point to a transition point, and a second phase in which one of the elements guides the other element along a rotational movement in the area of the transition point, the first phase and the second phase being mutually exclusive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventor: François GIRARD
  • Publication number: 20130312281
    Abstract: A crampon including a body extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a first side and a second side, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon including points projecting in the area of the supporting face, as well as a structure for retaining a boot in the area of the receiving surface. The crampon includes a device for adjusting the longitudinal bending strength of the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: Francois GIRARD
  • Publication number: 20130312282
    Abstract: A crampon including a body extending lengthwise from a rear end to a front end, widthwise between a first side and a second side, and heightwise between a supporting surface and a receiving surface, the crampon including points projecting in the area of the supporting surface, as well as a first member for retaining a boot in the area of the receiving surface, the first retaining member being movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, the crampon further including an elastic mechanism provided for biasing the first retaining member toward the locking position. On the side of the receiving surface, the crampon includes a return adapted to cooperate with the boot, the return biasing the first retaining member toward the unlocking position when the boot approaches the receiving surface, the return allowing the first retaining member to move back toward the locking position when the boot is in place on the receiving surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventor: François GIRARD
  • Publication number: 20130263477
    Abstract: A footwear element that includes an outer sole assembly and a flexible upper, as well as spikes projecting in the area of an outer surface of the outer sole assembly, the flexible upper including a lower portion adapted to cover the foot of a user, the flexible upper having a shoe insertion opening. The upper includes an upper portion extending the lower portion in a direction away from the outer sole assembly, the upper portion being provided to cover at least the ankle of the user, or the ankle and a portion of the lower leg.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventors: Francois GIRARD, Aude DERRIER
  • Patent number: 8397326
    Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Derick Elliott, Martel Benoit, Luc Petitpas, Jean Bizouard, Sébastien Viger, Chad Rohrer, Jérôme Marcotte, Philippe Tremblay, Stephane Duguay, Sylvain LaCasse, Clément Nadeau, Stephanie Ludke, Philippe Roy, Alex Duchesneau
  • Publication number: 20130061396
    Abstract: A patient support for supporting a patient includes an inflatable mattress defining a support surface and a pneumatic system for inflating the inflatable mattress. The pneumatic system includes a pressurized reservoir for holding pressurized air and selectively releases pressurized air from the reservoir to the mattress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Sylvain LaCasse
  • Patent number: 8201845
    Abstract: An assembly including a plate, a base, and a device for removably attaching the plate to the base. The plate is adapted to be associated with a device for removably retaining a boot, the base is adapted to be associated with a gliding board, such as a ski, the device for removably attaching the plate to the base including an arrangement for longitudinally guiding the plate with respect to the base. An immobilization mechanism is manually actuated to immobilize the plate with respect to the base along the longitudinal guiding direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: François Girard, Eddy Yelovina
  • Publication number: 20120041930
    Abstract: A method for storing, in the rewritable memory of an automobile electronic control unit, calibration data functionally equivalent to a set of various models (M1-M5) of complete calibration data, this method including operations consisting in recording a single copy (CALIBAS) of common calibration data (COM1-COM4), and specific calibration data (SP1-SP5) relieved of these common data. The method uses the relations existing between the various versions (SP1-SP5) of specific data to further reduce the memory space dedicated to storage by defining, from among these versions, standard versions (T1; T2) and variants (V11; V21, V22), the variants being relieved of data already contained in the standard versions (T1; T2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE FRANCE
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Girard, Romain Lafuente, Jean-Christophe Seguy, Jean-Philippe Trede, Franck Valero
  • Publication number: 20110296623
    Abstract: A patient support for a patient includes an inflatable mattress with at least one inflatable bladder. The bladder comprises a top panel formed from a different material than its side wall panel or panels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Patrick Lafleche, Jean-Francois Girard, Derick Elliott, Martel Benoit, Luc Petitpas, Jean Bizouard, Sébastien Viger, Chad Rohrer, Jérôme Marcotte, Philippe Tremblay, Stephane Duguay, Sylvain LaCasse, Clément Nadeau, Stephanie Ludke, Philippe Roy, Alex Duchesneau